The physiological effects of supplemental oxygen versus nitrous oxide/oxygen during conscious sedation of pediatric dental patients.

PURPOSE This study was performed to compare the effects of nitrous oxide/oxygen (N2O/O2) versus oxygen (O2) as adjuncts to an oral narcotic regimen for pediatric conscious sedation. METHODS Using a randomized double-blind crossover design, 19 children (mean age 41 +/- 8.6 months) were sedated with chloral hydrate (50 mg/kg), meperidine (1.5 mg/kg) and hydroxyzine pamoate (25 mg) for two appointments. Patients were assigned randomly to receive 100% O2 at one visit and 50% N2O/O2 at the other. Physiologic parameters were measured in five-minute intervals, including respiratory rate, pulse rate (PR), oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2) and end-tidal carbon dioxide. Data analyses focused on true desaturations and apnea, level of sedation and sedation outcomes. RESULTS There were no differences in PR, SpO2 and risk of desaturation between the inhalation agents. The level of sedation was deeper and the sedation outcomes were better in the N2O/O2 group. CONCLUSION N2O/O2 deepened the sedation while improving its success with minimal alteration in physiologic parameters.